Tinubu Seeks More Judges to Fast-Track Justice as House Delays 2026 Budget Debate
By Jonas Ezieke, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the House of Representatives’ approval to increase the number of judges in the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal, citing the need for faster and more efficient administration of justice.
In a letter addressed to Speaker Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Tinubu proposed raising the number of Federal High Court judges from 70 to 90, and Court of Appeal justices from 70 to 110. The letter, read during plenary, urged lawmakers to expedite the approval of the amendments to the relevant laws.
“I am pleased to transmit to the National Assembly for consideration and approval the amendment of the Federal High Court Act 2005 to increase the statutory number of judges of the court from 70 to 90,” the letter stated. “Similarly, I also forward for the consideration of the National Assembly the Federal Court of Appeal Act (Amendment Bill) to increase the number of justices of the court from 70 to 110.”
According to the President, the expansion is aimed at improving the judiciary’s capacity to handle terrorism, financial crimes, intellectual property cases, and other complex matters more efficiently.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has rescheduled the debate on the 2026 Appropriation Bill to Thursday. The bill seeks authorization for the Federal Government to spend a total of ₦58.472 trillion in 2026.
The proposed budget allocates ₦4.097 trillion for statutory transfers, ₦15.909 trillion for debt servicing, ₦15.252 trillion for recurrent (non-debt) expenditures, and ₦23.214 trillion for capital expenditure through the Development Fund.
The rescheduling comes amid ongoing legislative scrutiny of the budget and highlights the competing priorities before the National Assembly, even as the judiciary expansion bill awaits urgent consideration.
This move to increase judges is seen as part of Tinubu’s broader efforts to strengthen the legal system and reduce delays in the adjudication of high-profile and specialized cases across Nigeria.